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Red Cross Helping with Wisconsin, Minnesota Fires

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Both Minnesota and Wisconsin are dealing with wildfires and the American Red Cross says it is helping out victims.

Multiple wildfires are burning in northwestern Minnesota and the Red Cross is providing staff and supplies to two shelters in Wadena and Hubbard counties.

The Minnesota Interagency Fire Center says the blaze, dubbed the Green Valley Fire, has burned 3,000 to 4,000 acres northwest of Menahga since it started on private land around 3 p.m. Tuesday. It says an unconfirmed number of homes and other structures have been lost, while other homes, cabins and structures are threatened.

Crews plan to battle the wildfire from the air Wednesday with water-dropping helicopters and airplanes, and on the ground with fire engine crews, tracked vehicles and bulldozers.

Strong winds, high temperatures, low humidity and dry vegetation contributed to the fire's spread Tuesday. Conditions are expected to be cooler Wednesday.

On the Wisconsin side, a wildfire has consumed about 8,700 acres in Douglas and Bayfield County but is about 90 percent contained.

A Red Cross emergency response vehicle is going to western Wisconsin to help provide water and snacks and other relief.

The Minnesota Red Cross is also helping with Wisconsin shelters along with the Red Cross' Western Wisconsin Region.

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